In Memory of Animal

[Attalus]

Good post, Harley. Not anything in the way of volunteering out my way, but a good idea, nonetheless.

[Ziroc]

Originally posted by Melusine: Oh yes, so every stupid kid can spam to "get the Animal" - sorry, is it just me who finds the idea a little crass? Oh, we need a new avatar anyway for higher ranks, why not use Animal, and everybody can post a lot of spam to reach it. What's wrong with a memorial page? It would be a far better tribute if people actually stopped posting crap as if nothing happened, if only for a mere day or so, otherwise this is just another thread among many. But I don't think this is the right place or time for such a discussion, sorry.

I too, think an avatar isn't the right thing, after really thinking about it. It doesn't really represent anything but a post count. I will make a dedication page, and in the NWN Mod, a statue, NPC and stuff.

[Morgeruat]

Excellent post Harley.

The only thing I have to add is a saying I heard years ago, Live each day like it was your last, but plan like you'll live forever.

Don't go quit your job and party (poor planning to live forever there), but don't get so caught up in routines that you go through the motions instead of living.

[Cerek]

Originally posted by Aelia Jusa: I remember pming Animal once because I was so impressed with how strong and steadfast he was when many people disagreed with his opinions. I had also always had so much respect for how he seemed to approach raising his daughter. I can't begin to imagine what it is like for his little girl now, so I will just think of her, and try not to take my own life for granted. But I don't know. How do you do that? What should I be doing? Is this is waste of time?

There has been some good advice on this already, especially from Harley.

How can you follow Animal's advice to "live life to the fullest"? Try to put yourself in his position. Imagine you were told today you only had 6 months left to live. Your life span has just been reduced from an indefinite period to a very short amount of time.

What things would you want to accomplish? What places have you meant to visit "someday"? And - most importantly - who do you need to say "I Love You" to more often?

Think of the things you really want to do in your life, and make plans to do them NOW instead of "someday". You also need to heed Morgeruat's advice about planning for the future and keeping some resources available for that, but don't assume that you have tomorrow to accomplish the things that need to be done.

[Cerek]

Originally posted by Ziroc: I too, think an avatar isn't the right thing, after really thinking about it. It doesn't really represent anything but a post count. I will make a dedication page, and in the NWN Mod, a statue, NPC and stuff.

Those are great ideas, Dan, and will be the best way to keep Animals memory alive for all IW members. I also think retiring his ID is a very fitting tribute. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[ElvenBeserk]

I did not even know him... but I can't stand people dieing. Animal, Rest In Peace. I know his family is having a hard time, especialy his daughter. I hope she recovers from her lose.

ElvenBeserk

[ 03-10-2005, 09:14 PM: Message edited by: ElvenBeserk ]

[Nachtrafe]

Unfortunately, I never got the chance to know Animal as well as I would have liked. We romped through the Undermountain together, we traded barbs in some very serious...and some very not-so-serious threads, and, in the last couple of months, I consider myself priveleged to have built, if not a lifelong friendship, at least a very real, personal relationship with someone whose strength and breadth of character I sincerely admire.

I will miss you Mark. God bless you and keep you and all those your spirit watches over safe.

Hammers High my friend!

[Aragorn1]

I knew that animal was ill, but i was unaware that his condition would deteriorate so fast. But as has been said, he never liked to talk about it. I didn't know him all that well, but we encountered each other and i enjiyed exchanging ideas with him. His was the internet equvialent of the man you pass on your street every day and say hello to, and have a quick chat. Not the best of friends, but someone you come to konw and like all the same. I will miss him. I wish the best of luck to his family at such a time and hope that they are able to at least over come the blow, though they shall never forgot or lose the pain entirely.

R.I.P.

[harleyquinn]

Thank you Cerek. It's comforting to me to think that what I had gone through might be able to help others.

[Dron_Cah]

Damn... I don't know what else I can say. I just get back from a wonderful time in Florida, pull up IW, and BAM! This hits me like a ton of bricks. I guess like so many others, I was unaware of his illness. I believe I remember him saying something about not being around, in GD, but I never thought this is what he meant. Animal, we never spoke a whole lot, though we shared the boards for quite a while. My your soul and your daught have peace. Say "hey" to the big JC for me. I'll send my regards through him as well. [img]smile.gif[/img]
You'll be missed, my fellow Ironworker, I cant wait to start Undermountain, so I may see your memorial. [img]smile.gif[/img]